Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa

Name: Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups masarepa flour; 2 1/2 cups warm water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 boneless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt & pepper; 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; Salt & pepper; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced

Juicy Chicken Filling in Golden Cornmeal Pockets

A Venezuelan classic featuring fragrant shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and bright herbs, encased in twice-cooked cornmeal arepas.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Arepas

2 cups masarepa flour

2 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Chicken Filling

2 boneless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt & pepper

to taste

For the Avocado Dressing

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

Salt & pepper

to taste

For the Garnishes

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced

(optional)

Preparation

Preparing the Arepa Dough

Combine dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine masarepa flour and salt.

Pro Tip: Use masarepa flour for an authentic flavor and perfect texture.

Add water

Gradually add warm water, stirring continuously until a dough forms.

Knead and rest

Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until smooth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until fully cooked.

Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Pro Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth while cooking for added moisture and flavor.

Shred the chicken

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

Cooking Process

Shaping the Arepas

Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into discs. Press the center to flatten slightly.

Cooking the Arepas

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook arepas for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Second Bake for Arepas

Transfer to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Plating & Serving